A Chelmsford man has been jailed almost two years after raping a woman in a city centre attack.

In July 2017, Christopher Bahadur raped a woman, believed to be in her 20s, at a home in Liverpool City Centre.

Four months later, Bahadur, 39, from Brook View, Sandon, was charged with rape, for which he pleaded not guilty, forcing his victim through a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Yesterday (June 28) he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for the offence which took place almost two years ago.

Police officers praised the victim for her bravery throughout the investigation.

Detective sergeant Ainsley McAlice, from Merseyside Police Unity Team, said: “I would like to praise the bravery and courage of the victim, both for speaking to us to report the crime, and for the strength she showed during the investigation and court process.

“Bahadur continually denied the offence and put his victim through the additional order of a trial, but justice has finally been served.

“Hopefully this outcome will not only provide some comfort, but encourage other victims to come forward and have the confidence in to support them throughout this difficult process.

“Rape is a very personal crime, which many victims, understandably, struggle to come to terms with and it can have a devastating effect for the rest of their lives.

"There is no doubt that this has had a significant impact on his young victim, who will now have to live with this for her life."

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DS McAlice added: "If anybody else is out there suffering in silence I want you to know that there is help and support available to you, both from Merseyside Police, where we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and treat you with sensitivity and compassion, and from reliable and trusted support groups who will support you from your initial report and for as long as you need.

"There is a great deal of support and advice out there and we can put measures in place to help victims from the point they make a report to the police right through to the court hearing.

“I would urge anyone who has been victim of a rape or sexual assault to find it within themselves to tell someone what has happened to them so that they do not continue to suffer in silence.”

Anyone with information or wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.